Bullpen Report: October 3, 2021

NEW FEATURE ALERT! We have added an upgraded version of RosterResource’s Closer Depth Chart to FanGraphs. Read more about it here.

We will always include a link to the full Closer Depth Chart at the bottom of the Bullpen Report each day. It’s also accessible from the RosterResource drop-down menu and from any RosterResource page. Please let us know what you think.

The 2021 version of Bullpen Report includes five different sections, as well as the closer chart, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

1. Notable Workloads: Primary closers or valuable members of a closer committee who have been deemed unavailable or likely unavailable for the current day due to recent workload.
2. Injury News 
3. Outlier Saves: Explanation for a non-closer earning a save during the previous day.
4. Committee Clarity: Notes on a closer committee that clarify a pitcher’s standing in the group.
5. Losing A Grip: Struggling closers who could be on the hot seat.

The “RosterResource” link will take you to the corresponding team’s RosterResource depth chart, which will give you a better picture of the full bullpen and results of the previous six days (pitch count, save, hold, win, loss, blown save.)

Notable Workloads

•Hansel Robles, BOS: 18 pitches on Saturday, back-to-back days. | RosterResource

Adam Ottavino is also on “High Usage Alert” after throwing three days in a row. Garrett Richards or Matt Barnes is likely to appear in a save situation during Sunday’s finale.

•Liam Hendricks, CWS: 9 pitches on Saturday, back-t0-back days. | RosterResource

A save situation would likely go to Craig Kimbrel if one comes up in the last game of the season. But, most of the White Sox bullpen should be available today and might be good fantasy options as Dylan Cease gets the start and likely won’t go for long.

•Rowan Wick, CHC: 22 pitches on Saturday, back-t0-back days. | RosterResource

Codi Heuer is a likely candidate for a save opportunity if Wick is unavailable.

•Chris Stratton, PIT: 14 pitches on Saturday, back-t0-back days. | RosterResource

Co-closer David Bednar is likely to fill in for Stratton if he needs rest.

•Paul Sewald, SEA: 29 pitches on Saturday, three of last four days. | RosterResource

Co-closer Drew Steckenrider is likely to be used in a save situation if Sewald is unavailable, but the Mariners must win today to have a chance at the playoffs and are likely to use whoever they feel will give them the best shot at winning. Diego Castillo is the only other late-inning arm not on “High Usage Alert” and may need to go a little longer than usual if others are unavailable.

 

Injury News

•Jake McGee, SFG | Activated from 10-day IL | RosterResource

McGee returns to the Giants bullpen just in time for the playoffs after sitting out for over two weeks with an oblique strain. McGee’s teammates have held down the fort in his absence with Camilo Doval pitching especially well. Doval recorded three saves in his last four appearances while Co-closer Tyler Rogers has only recorded one save in his last seven appearances. Regardless of roles, the Giants will have three options for closing out games in the post-season and McGee may get a chance to prove he’s ready for high-leverage situations in today’s regular-season finale.

Outlier Saves

•Jacob Webb, ATL | RosterResource

Webb came into the ninth inning with two outs after Richard Rodríguez gave up two runs on three hits. Webb recorded the last out but walked two batters before doing so. As the Braves enter the postseason, they were likely resting their usual high leverage pitchers a little more. This was Webb’s first save of the season and the 28-year-old right-hander carries a 4.19 ERA (4.00 xERA) and five wins into the last game of the season.

Committee Clarity

•None

Losing a Grip

•None

 

Click HERE to view the full Closer Depth Chart.